Panthers coach Ron Rivera says quarterback Cam Newton has a hairline fracture in his ribs and will miss the team's final preseason game.

Rivera says he's expects Newton to be ready for the team's Sept. 7 regular season opener against Tampa Bay. Newton was hit after scrambling from the pocket in Carolina's preseason game Friday night against New England. He continued to play.

Newton had an MRI on Sunday morning.

Rivera says "he's pretty sore and he's hurting right now. It is of concern."

Newton has never missed a regular season start in his three seasons with the Panthers.

Rivera says "we will treat it day by day and see how he is at the end of the week. He has to get past the soreness."